Sarasota Star Providers
Sarasota area child care providers who are participating in Look for the Stars are exceeding the basic requirements for child care and are providing quality early learning environments for the children of Sarasota County.
All parents should visit at least 3 different sites to determine the best fit for their child. This guide is one tool to help with that process and parents should discuss with the provider their respective strengths and areas for improvement noted in their star level report.
Providers who achieve a 4 to 5+ star level are providing and maintaining high levels of quality childcare for the children of Sarasota County. Providers who achieve a 3 Star level are recognized for providing quality above state licensing requirements and have demonstrated that they are actively taking steps to improve quality. Sites rated below 3 Stars are not considered high quality at this time.
The Star Ratings are closely aligned with their CLASS assessment composite scores, as the state is requiring all VPK and School Readiness classrooms to be assessed using this tool. We believe that the CLASS tool reflects overall quality childcare by focusing on classroom interactions. Our scale starts at a 3 Star because that is what we consider sufficient quality and reflects the minimum CLASS score of a 4.0 that is needed to contract with the coalition.
Other criteria used when assigning star levels include, learning environment, classroom interactions, screening, assessment and inclusion, staff qualifications, and professional development.
Note: Gold Seal Certified sites are noted under the provider’s name.
Not every child care provider is listed on the Look for the Stars website. Some reasons a provider may not be listed include:
- Provider chose not to participate
- Provider wanted to participate, but did not have the opportunity to participate this year
- Provider was assessed but chose to opt out of participation
- Provider has a Class 1 licensing violation within the past year and is ineligible for participation this year
- Provider has received a CLASS score below a 4.0 and is ineligible for participation this year.
Parents can contact the Early Learning Coalition’s Look for the Stars line for information on why a provider is not on the list at 941.556.1600 ext. 229 or mail@elcsarasota.org.
Child Care Resource and Referral is a source of information on resources available for parents and can also provide a personalized list of child care options based on parents’ individual needs. including ages served, hours of operation, program enhancements, and other program information. Contact Child Care Resource and Referral at 941.556.1600 ext. 106 or mail@elcsarasota.org.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) website is another resource, with a feature that allows parents to search for child care provider based on specific criteria.
Explanation of Scores and Ratings:
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten- Every VPK is required by the state of Florida to be assessed using the CLASS tool. A CLASS score between 1.0-3.99 indicates a low level of quality classroom interactions. A score between 4.0-5.99 indicates a mid-level and a score between 6.0-7.0 indicates a high level. Providers must meet a CLASS score of 4.0 to offer VPK. If there is a NA in this column that provider does not offer VPK.
School Readiness- The state of Florida requires all SR providers to be assessed using the CLASS tool if their enrollment meets or exceeds 20% SR students, or two children for a Family Childcare Home. A CLASS score between 1.0-3.99 indicates a low level of quality classroom interactions. A score between 4.0-5.99 indicates a mid-level and a score between 6.0-7.0 indicates a high level. A provider must meet a CLASS score of 4.0 to hold a contract with the coalition. If there is a NA in this column that provider is exempt from the class assessment due to low enrollment of SR students, or they do not contract with the Early Learning Coalition.
Star Rating- Those sites with a star rating listed are choosing to go above and beyond to show their commitment to high quality care by participating in Look for the Stars. By participating they have demonstrated dedication continuous improvement. Sites receive a star rating based on their CLASS score, with the opportunity to advance to higher levels with points for instructional support, screening, assessment, inclusion, staff qualifications, and professional development. A 3-star site will have a CLASS score of at least 4.0. A 4-star sight will have a CLASS score of at least a 4.5. And 5-star site will have a class score of 5.5 or higher. If you see an NA in this column that provider is choosing not to participate in Look for the Stars.
Click the ▼ icon or Learn More for more information about a provider, where available.
Provider
Address and Phone
VPK CLASS
Composite Score
SR CLASS
Composite Score
Star Rating
Morgan Family Child Care Home
Provider – Morgan Family Child Care Home
I have a great location. Prices are great, breakfast, lunch, snack provided. I obtained my FCCP certificate. I am continuing my education to get my A.A.S. degree in early childhood development at Florida State College. I have a loving, nurturing, Christian environment. Social, emotional, and physical needs are important and incorporated.
Summary – I have a great location. Prices are great, breakfast, lunch, snack provided. I obtained my FCCP certificate. I am continuing my education to get my A.A.S. degree in early childhood development at Florida State College. I have a loving, nurturing, Christian environment. Social, emotional, and physical needs are important and incorporated.
34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 957-0608
trmorg9@aol.com
Address – 34235
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 957-0608
Email – trmorg9@aol.com
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
6.79
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.79
Provider – New College Child Care
5.11
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.11
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5
NA
Star Rating – NA
Provider – Play and Grow Preschool
Our goal is to offer a warm and loving environment that provides the children the opportunity to participate in developmentally appropriate activities so they can grow into the unique individuals God intended them to be. We promote children’s positive self image and building social skills in a school setting.
Summary – Our goal is to offer a warm and loving environment that provides the children the opportunity to participate in developmentally appropriate activities so they can grow into the unique individuals God intended them to be. We promote children’s positive self image and building social skills in a school setting.
6.78
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.78
6.80
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.80
Precious Jewels
Provider – Precious Jewels
2700 Leon Ave, Sarasota FL 34234
(941) 360-1122
Address – 2700 Leon Ave, Sarasota FL 34234
Phone – (941) 360-1122
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.4
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.4
NA
Star Rating – NA
Riddle Family Child Care Home
Provider – Riddle Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 358-1544
Address – 34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 358-1544
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.75
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.75
Fern Ave, Sarasota FL 34235
(941) 879-6156
Address – Fern Ave, Sarasota FL 34235
Phone – (941) 879-6156
3.83
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 3.83
5.29
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.29
NA
Star Rating – NA
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I
Provider – Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 5 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
Summary – Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center I provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 5 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
1935 Hyde Park St, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
debra-brown@smh.com
Address – 1935 Hyde Park St, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone – (941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
Email – debra-brown@smh.com
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II
Provider – Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II
Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 11 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
Summary – Sarasota Memorial Child Care Center II provides quality, developmentally appropriate care for the children of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and the community. We offer a variety of experiences that enable children 6 weeks through 11 years to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5:45am to 6pm.
1401 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
debra-brown@smh.com
Address – 1401 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone – (941) 917-1477
Debra Brown, Director
Email – debra-brown@smh.com
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
Selby Preschool
Provider – Selby Preschool
The Selby Preschool is an inclusive program for children ages 1 – 5 years. Staffed by qualified, highly trained teachers and assistants with ratios of 1:5 and 1:6, the program offers Preschool classrooms for ages 1-3, a Montessori classroom for 3-5 year old, VPK, as well as varied therapy services provided by the Kidspot.
Summary – The Selby Preschool is an inclusive program for children ages 1 – 5 years. Staffed by qualified, highly trained teachers and assistants with ratios of 1:5 and 1:6, the program offers Preschool classrooms for ages 1-3, a Montessori classroom for 3-5 year old, VPK, as well as varied therapy services provided by the Kidspot.
4405 Desoto Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
(941) 355-8808
Alison Thomas, COO, The Haven
selbypreschool.org
Address – 4405 Desoto Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
Phone – (941) 355-8808
Alison Thomas, COO, The Haven
Website – selbypreschool.org
5.95
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.95
Shining Stars Learning Center
Provider – Shining Stars Learning Center
Since 1997, Shining Stars Learning Center has provided the opportunity for children to become efficient and flexible learners, to discover new interests and abilities, and to grow as individuals. In an atmosphere where learning is enjoyed, our graduates have achieved social/emotional and academic success, and accelerated placements upon entering Kindergarten!
Summary – Since 1997, Shining Stars Learning Center has provided the opportunity for children to become efficient and flexible learners, to discover new interests and abilities, and to grow as individuals. In an atmosphere where learning is enjoyed, our graduates have achieved social/emotional and academic success, and accelerated placements upon entering Kindergarten!
4416 Hale Street, Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 371-3253
Dr. Sonja K. Lindzy, Director
drsonja1@verizon.net
www.shiningstarscenter.com
Address – 4416 Hale Street, Sarasota, FL 34233
Phone – (941) 371-3253
Dr. Sonja K. Lindzy, Director
Email – drsonja1@verizon.net
Website – www.shiningstarscenter.com
5.94
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.94
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Provider – Smarty Pants Preschool
6.03
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.03
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Spanish Legacy Preschool
Provider – Spanish Legacy Preschool
6.00
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.00
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center
Provider – St. Paul Early Childhood Learning Center
It is our hope and expectation that our unique and innovative program will become well known for our progressive philosophy and curriculum in the areas of peaceful conflict resolution, anti-bias education and creative emergent curriculum. We also offer a unique science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) program in which these content areas are taught through our arts integration program. We will become a close-knit, loving family of parents, early childhood educators and wonderful children! Whenever there is a question of what is best for the program, we always promise to look at the issue from about two feet in height. In other words, we try to make decisions based on what is best for each child. We truly feel that God is watching over our program and is guiding us as we go.
Summary – It is our hope and expectation that our unique and innovative program will become well known for our progressive philosophy and curriculum in the areas of peaceful conflict resolution, anti-bias education and creative emergent curriculum. We also offer a unique science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) program in which these content areas are taught through our arts integration program. We will become a close-knit, loving family of parents, early childhood educators and wonderful children! Whenever there is a question of what is best for the program, we always promise to look at the issue from about two feet in height. In other words, we try to make decisions based on what is best for each child. We truly feel that God is watching over our program and is guiding us as we go.
Address – 2256 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone – (941) 955-6479
Lisa McLean, Director
Email – lmclean1972@gmail.com
Email – stpaul-eclc@verizon.net
Website – stpaulsarasota.org/preschool
6.03
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.03
5.8
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.8
Provider – St. Wilifred Preschool
January of 2015, we added an infant room. We have classes of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. We have excellent ratios and provide School Readiness Scholarships and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. All of our nurturing teachers have CDA, Equivalency, or an undergraduate degree. All trained in CPR/1st aid.
Summary – January of 2015, we added an infant room. We have classes of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. We have excellent ratios and provide School Readiness Scholarships and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. All of our nurturing teachers have CDA, Equivalency, or an undergraduate degree. All trained in CPR/1st aid.
6.56
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.56
6.45
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.45
5.44
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.44
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
Provider – The Florida Center for Early Childhood
Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our inclusive preschool classrooms are nationally accredited and provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 7:30am – 5:00 pm.
Summary – Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our inclusive preschool classrooms are nationally accredited and provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 7:30am – 5:00 pm.
Address – 4620 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34235
Phone – (941) 371-8820 x 1019
5.94
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.94
6.11
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.11
Provider – The Gan at Temple Sinai
6.64
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.64
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
5.69
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.69
NA
SR CLASS Composite Score – NA
NA
Star Rating – NA
The Learning Tree at Pines of Sarasota
Provider – The Learning Tree at Pines of Sarasota
Full service, year round program for infants through pre k, including VPK. Our mission is to provide our employees and the community with quality childcare in an environment that is safe, healthy and provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
Summary – Full service, year round program for infants through pre k, including VPK. Our mission is to provide our employees and the community with quality childcare in an environment that is safe, healthy and provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities.
Address – 1501 N. Orange, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone – (941) 552-1861 / (941) 365-0250 x 2907
Email – ccc@pinesofsarasota.org
6.26
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 6.26
6.19
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.19
The Renaissance Preschool
Provider – The Renaissance Preschool
Renaissance is a full year program (ages 1-5 ). We implement The Creative Curriculum. We participate in school readiness for Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our school is clean, safe, fun and offers a social emotional as well as an educational rich environment. Our staff is friendly, qualified and dedicated to children and families. We do charge a registration fee of $100.
Summary – Renaissance is a full year program (ages 1-5 ). We implement The Creative Curriculum. We participate in school readiness for Sarasota and Manatee counties. Our school is clean, safe, fun and offers a social emotional as well as an educational rich environment. Our staff is friendly, qualified and dedicated to children and families. We do charge a registration fee of $100.
Address – 2500 10th St, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone – (941) 365-0749
Sara Snow, Director
Email – Sarasnow@renaissancepreschool.com
Website – www.sarasotachildcare.org
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
6.36
SR CLASS Composite Score – 6.36
TBD
Star Rating – TBD
Provider – The School House
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.72
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.72
Trinity Preschool
Provider – Trinity Preschool
Trinity Preschool is a high quality center, established in 1996, that promotes the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development of children ages 2-5. We use an established curriculum emphasizing learning through play. Our emphasis is on small classes with a low student-teacher ratio. We offer VPK.
Summary – Trinity Preschool is a high quality center, established in 1996, that promotes the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive development of children ages 2-5. We use an established curriculum emphasizing learning through play. Our emphasis is on small classes with a low student-teacher ratio. We offer VPK.
5.86
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.86
5.71
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.71
Williams Family Child Care Home
Provider – Williams Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 355-3175
Address – 34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 355-3175
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.34
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.34
Willis Family Child Care Home
Provider – Willis Family Child Care Home
34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
(941) 355-6574
Address – 34234
Call the provider for the address and more information.
Phone – (941) 355-6574
NA
VPK CLASS Composite Score – NA
5.8
SR CLASS Composite Score – 5.8
Provider – Wooden Shoes Child Care
Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our preschool classrooms provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 6:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Summary – Offering comprehensive community based services including our Early Childhood Education Program. Our preschool classrooms provide quality learning experiences to support the needs of all toddlers and preschoolers. Hours of operation: M-F 6:30 am – 5:30 pm.
5.17
VPK CLASS Composite Score – 5.17
4.78
SR CLASS Composite Score – 4.78
NA
Star Rating – NA